July 2013, Beirut: UNDP’s “Live Lebanon” initiative, inaugurated two agricultural irrigation projects that assisted the country’s most deprived communities. With the invaluable support of Mrs. Bouran Bouery, the initiative’s Goodwill Ambassador for Western Europe, “Live Lebanon” implemented several irrigation canals in the Bekaa and North Lebanon regions that will save water for farmers, grow their economic resources and increase the productivity of their land. Mr. Luca Renda, UNDP County Director, attended both inaugurations as well as managers from the local BBAC branches.
Mrs. Bouran Bouery described the projects with enthusiasm, saying, “I am extremely proud to be working with UNDP and BBAC on the “Live Lebanon” projects that contribute to the creation of a brighter future for the nation.” She added, “The partnership between them has allowed a vast range of projects, from health-related to environmental, to take effect in Lebanon for long-lasting change.”
The first project, set to benefit 80% of Fnaydek’s inhabitants, improved the canal network of the northern Lebanese village as their current soil canals resulted in high water wastage.
The second project in the Municipality of Dar el Wasaa in Bekaa extended the existing irrigation network in the village to reach more agricultural lands. This has also increased the efficiency of irrigation and prevented water waste.